Prickly subject

Rosehips – the flask-shaped, red or orange fruit of the dog rose – were once widely gathered to make tea, syrup and jelly. During World War II, the Ministry of Food even ran a campaign promoting such harvesting to boost Vitamin C levels in a populace deprived of fresh-fruit imports. Foragers had to be careful of the vicious spikes on dog roses – technically not thorns but prickles. Thorns are modified stems emerging from buds, whereas prickles grow from a plant stem’s outer layer. Small comfort to those who’ve just been pricked.

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Find rosehip recipes at: bbcgoodfood.com